What to Do in NYC on New Year’s Eve

This post is all about what to do in NYC on New Years Eve.

Ah New Year’s Eve! What a night filled with potential and excitement for the year ahead. And there are so many possibilities in New York between parties, fireworks, and the famous ball drop in Times Square.

We’re sharing what to do in NYC on New Year’s Eve whether your ideal night is spent on the dance floor, running laps through Central Park, or cozying up at home.

Some Friendly Reminders

Before we jump into planning a fun night, these are a few friendly reminders if you plan to go out:

Don’t leave your coat at home! You’ll probably be outside at some point, either waiting in line, watching fireworks, or walking to and from destinations. Make sure you bundle up!
Wear comfortable shoes. Ubers/taxis and even trains can be hard to catch and you may find yourself walking more than you’d planned. Do yourself a favor and wear some comfy shoes.
Establish the plan with your group. There’s a lot of excitement and buzz, but it helps to know the plan for the night in case your group gets split up at any point.

Alright, let’s get this party started!

1. Times Square Ball Drop

Go the classic route and spend your New Year’s Eve in Times Square. It’s certainly an experience. While most people have tuned into the televised version showing the highlights leading up to midnight, what you’re not seeing is that it’s a whole day affair. To get a good spot, people arrive as early as 6am and spend the entire day waiting until midnight. Once you’re in the viewing area, you can’t leave for food or to use the restroom. It’s a long and cold day but with a group of friends or family, it could be an exciting experience.

P.S. While most New Yorkers skip going to the ball drop, there’s a practice for the confetti cannons a few days before the 31st that is a lot of fun, and many people will go to.

2. Central Park Run

Have you ever gone running through Central Park at midnight? This is your chance! The annual NYRR Midnight Run is a four-mile loop through the park that starts at the stroke of midnight. Watch the fireworks overhead and run into the new year on the right foot.

3. Watch Fireworks

If you’d like to skip the run and just watch some fireworks, there are plenty of opportunities for that too.

Here are the best spots for fireworks in New York City on New Year’s Eve:

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4. Go Dancing

Ring in the New Year on the dance floor. Pull out that outfit you’ve been saving for a wild night out, round up a group of friends, and get the party started!

These are some cool spots that host New Year’s Eve parties with dancing, food, and drinks:

5. Cruise Down the Hudson River

If you’re planning a romantic New Year’s Eve, consider it done! Spend your evening on a scenic cruise on the Hudson River. This three-hour cruise includes has an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, and a DJ. You’ll see the fireworks from the river and enjoy a champagne toast at midnight.

6. Enjoy a Tasty Dinner

Maybe New Year’s Eve is the night you treat yourself to that fancy dinner that’s always been on your list. There are many restaurants in New York City that are open on the 31st and it’s a great way to gather with friends or family without anybody having to host or clean up.

Check out these restaurants open on New Year’s Eve:

La Mercerie – charming French restaurant in SoHo
Carbone – Italian hotspot in Greenwich Village
Lilia – trendy Brooklyn restaurant
Don Angie – cozy Michelin star-rated restaurant in the West Village
Les Trois Chevaux – upscale French restaurant in the West Village
Cafe Fiorello – iconic Italian restaurant near Lincoln Center
Bar Boulud – chic wine bar on Upper East Side

7. Order Takeout

With that being said, we’re not above a night in with take out and a movie marathon (honestly this might be our ideal NYE!)

If you choose to go that route, these are the best places to get takeout from in New York City on New Year’s Eve:

Boqueria – the best tapas
Sweet Chick – fried chicken sandwiches
Los Tacos No. 1 – New York’s trusty taco joint
China North Dumpling – cult-favorite pork and chive dumplings

P.S. Here’s a list of 8 iconic movies set in New York to go along with your feast.

8. Coney Island

Did you know you could ring in the New Year at Coney Island? The amusement park invites visitors to enjoy the rides, rollercoasters, and carnival games. Head to the boardwalk for the midnight firework show. It’s a fun family-friendly event!

That concludes this post about what to do in NYC on New Years Eve.

Whatever you decide to do, ringing in the New Year in New York City is always a special time. What are your plans for this NYE?